Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn has made waves in contemporary cinema with its provocative and intense portrayal of wealth, social status, and moral ambiguity. The film follows Felix, played by Jacob Elordi, a young man whose infatuation with his affluent classmate, Oliver, leads him into a world of opulence and excess, unraveling a dark undercurrent of corruption and decadence. This gripping narrative not only explores the seductive allure of wealth but also delves into the psychological complexities of those who pursue it. The film’s ability to blend psychological drama with sharp social critique has drawn attention and acclaim, setting a high bar for narratives that tackle similar themes in movies like Saltburn.
In exploring Saltburn, one is drawn to its exploration of the tension between appearance and reality, the manipulative dynamics of social climbing, and the underlying rot within seemingly perfect facades. These elements are not unique to Saltburn but are shared by a range of movies like Saltburn that grapple with similar themes. By examining these films, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the thematic and stylistic approaches that echo Saltburn’s incisive commentary.
This article will delve into several movies like Saltburn that resonate with the same essence as Saltburn, highlighting their thematic similarities and narrative devices. We’ll explore how these movies address class conflict, moral ambiguity, and psychological tension, offering a broader understanding of this cinematic niche. From psychological thrillers and dark comedies to historical dramas and satirical critiques, these movies like Saltburn provide a rich tapestry of storytelling that aligns with the motifs found in Saltburn.
Understanding these connections allows for a more nuanced appreciation of Saltburn and its place within the larger cinematic landscape and the Jacob Elordi cinematic universe. By identifying movies like Saltburn with similar thematic concerns, we can better grasp the ways in which cinema explores the human condition and societal structures. Through this exploration, we not only uncover parallels but also appreciate the diverse ways filmmakers approach the intricate dance between wealth, power, and morality.
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1. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Anthony Minghella’s The Talented Mr. Ripley is a seminal film that delves into themes of identity, envy, and deception, making it a strong parallel to Saltburn. The film, based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel, stars Matt Damon as Tom Ripley, a young man from a modest background who is hired to retrieve a wealthy man’s son, Dickie Greenleaf, from Europe. Instead of merely completing his assignment, Ripley becomes enamored with Dickie’s luxurious lifestyle and adopts a new identity to fit into this elite world.
The similarities between The Talented Mr. Ripley and Saltburn are evident in their exploration of class envy and the lengths individuals will go to in order to ascend socially. In The Talented Mr. Ripley, Ripley’s transformation into Dickie’s doppelgänger and his subsequent actions reveal a profound commentary on the impact of social stratification and personal ambition in one of the best movies like Saltburn. The psychological depth of Ripley’s character and his moral disintegration mirror Felix’s journey in Saltburn, highlighting how the desire for wealth and status can lead to a loss of personal integrity.
Both movies like Saltburn explore the seductive nature of affluence and the dark side of social climbing. Ripley’s obsession with Dickie’s world drives him to commit increasingly heinous acts to maintain his façade, similar to how Felix becomes entangled in a web of deception and moral compromise to integrate into Oliver’s world. The tension between appearance and reality, a key theme in Saltburn, is also central to The Talented Mr. Ripley, where the protagonist’s carefully crafted identity ultimately unravels, revealing the underlying darkness of his ambitions in one of the best movies like Saltburn.
In addition to thematic parallels, both movies like Saltburn share a similar aesthetic and atmospheric quality. The Talented Mr. Ripley employs a lush, visually striking style to depict its European settings, enhancing the sense of opulence and deceit. Similarly, Saltburn utilizes its settings and cinematography to underscore the stark contrasts between the world of wealth and the more grounded reality of its protagonist. This visual style reinforces the films’ thematic concerns and amplifies the psychological tension driving their narratives.
2. American Psycho (2000)
Mary Harron’s American Psycho presents a satirical and disturbing critique of 1980s corporate culture and consumerism. Based on Bret Easton Ellis’s novel, the film stars Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker whose outward success masks a violent and psychopathic nature. The film provides a darkly comic examination of superficiality, identity, and moral decay within the context of extreme capitalism.
The thematic resonance between American Psycho and Saltburn is evident in their exploration of the corrosive effects of wealth and status on personal morality. Patrick Bateman’s detached and psychopathic behavior serves as a critique of the emptiness and moral vacuity inherent in the pursuit of wealth in one of the best movies like Saltburn. Similarly, Felix’s journey in Saltburn reveals the darker side of social ambition and the lengths one will go to fit into a world of affluence.
Both movies like Saltburn feature protagonists who navigate and ultimately exploit their social environments to achieve their personal goals. Bateman’s psychopathy and violence are a manifestation of his disconnection from genuine human emotions, reflecting a broader critique of the dehumanizing effects of excessive wealth and consumerism. In Saltburn, Felix’s moral compromise and manipulative behavior are driven by his desire to belong to a world of privilege, revealing the ethical cost of social climbing.
The satirical tone of American Psycho adds another layer of complexity to its critique of capitalism in one of the best movies like Saltburn. The film uses dark humor and extreme scenarios to highlight the absurdity and moral degradation of its setting. While Saltburn maintains a more dramatic and suspenseful tone, both films use their narratives to dissect the illusions and corruptions of their respective worlds. The contrast between Bateman’s overt violence and Felix’s subtler manipulations underscores different methods of exploring the same thematic concerns.
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3. The Favourite (2018)
Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Favourite offers a darkly comedic exploration of power and manipulation within the court of Queen Anne. The film features Olivia Colman as Queen Anne, along with Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz as rival courtiers engaged in a ruthless game of political and personal maneuvering in one of the most interesting movies like Saltburn. The film’s sharp wit and exploration of power dynamics echo the thematic elements found in Saltburn.
In The Favourite, the characters’ ambition and manipulation mirror the social climbing and deceit seen in Saltburn. Both films focus on characters who use their wit and cunning to navigate and ultimately control their environments. The power struggles and personal betrayals in The Favourite are driven by the characters’ desires for influence and favor, paralleling Felix’s journey as he becomes entangled in the opulent and morally ambiguous world of Oliver.
The dark humor and satirical edge of The Favourite enhance its critique of power and privilege. Lanthimos’s film employs a blend of historical drama and comedy to dissect the absurdities of courtly politics and personal ambition in one of the best movies like Saltburn. While Saltburn presents a more serious and suspenseful narrative, both films explore the corrupting influence of power and the lengths individuals will go to secure their status.
The period setting of The Favourite provides a historical context for its exploration of power dynamics, offering a different perspective compared to the contemporary setting of Saltburn. However, the core themes of ambition, manipulation, and moral compromise remain consistent, highlighting the universal nature of these concerns across different eras and contexts among movies like Saltburn.
4. Gone Girl (2014)
David Fincher’s Gone Girl, based on Gillian Flynn’s novel, is a psychological thriller that examines the complexities of marriage, media influence, and deception. The film stars Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck as a married couple whose seemingly perfect life unravels when the wife goes missing. The media frenzy and the ensuing investigation reveal dark secrets and manipulations, providing a gripping commentary on public perception and personal truth.
Gone Girl shares thematic similarities with Saltburn in its exploration of deception and the contrast between public and private personas. Both movies like Saltburn delve into the facades people construct and the hidden motives driving their actions. In Gone Girl, the protagonist’s manipulative behavior and the media’s role in shaping public perception reflect broader themes of identity and morality. Similarly, Saltburn examines how Felix’s pursuit of a wealthy lifestyle leads him to adopt false identities and engage in morally dubious behavior.
The suspense and psychological tension in Gone Girl are integral to its narrative, creating a sense of unease that resonates with the tension found in Saltburn. Both films use their narratives to explore the darker aspects of human nature and societal expectations. The twist-laden plot of Gone Girl enhances its critique of media sensationalism and personal deceit, paralleling Felix’s journey as he navigates the treacherous waters of social climbing and moral compromise.
Additionally, the film’s portrayal of media influence and its impact on personal relationships provide a contemporary lens through which to examine the themes of identity and deception in one of the best movies like Saltburn. While Saltburn focuses on the dynamics within a specific social circle, Gone Girl expands its critique to include the broader impact of public perception and media manipulation.
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5. Atonement (2007)
Joe Wright’s Atonement, based on Ian McEwan’s novel, is a historical drama that explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of a single lie. The film follows the lives of Cecilia (Keira Knightley) and Robbie (James McAvoy), whose romance is disrupted by a false accusation made by Cecilia’s younger sister, Briony (Saoirse Ronan). The story spans several decades, examining the impact of the accusation on the characters’ lives and the search for atonement.
The thematic parallels between Atonement and Saltburn lie in their exploration of personal actions and societal expectations in one of the best movies like Saltburn. Both films delve into how individual decisions and actions ripple through the lives of others, often with devastating consequences. In Atonement, the false accusation and its repercussions highlight the themes of guilt and redemption, while Saltburn examines the moral compromise and personal deceit that result from Felix’s obsession with wealth and status.
The period setting of Atonement provides a historical context that contrasts with the contemporary setting of Saltburn. However, the exploration of social class and the impact of personal actions on others’ lives remains central to both narratives. The film’s intricate narrative structure and emotional depth enhance its exploration of guilt and redemption, paralleling the moral and psychological complexity of Felix’s journey in Saltburn.
The rich visual style and emotional intensity of Atonement complement its thematic concerns, creating a powerful portrayal of the consequences of personal actions in one of the best movies like Saltburn. Both films use their narratives to explore the intersections of class, morality, and personal responsibility, offering a nuanced examination of their respective themes.
6. The Great Gatsby (2013)
Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, The Great Gatsby, presents a visually opulent portrayal of the Roaring Twenties and the enigmatic Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio). The film explores themes of wealth, illusion, and moral decay as Gatsby’s pursuit of social acceptance and his idealized vision of love lead to a tragic unraveling in one of the best movies like Saltburn.
The Great Gatsby shares thematic similarities with Saltburn in its examination of the corrupting influence of wealth and the illusions associated with social status. Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of wealth and his attempts to recapture a lost romance reflect the broader themes of ambition and moral compromise found in Saltburn. Both films highlight the seductive power of affluence and the disillusionment that accompanies the pursuit of an idealized vision.
The visual style of The Great Gatsby enhances its exploration of opulence and excess, using lavish set designs and vibrant cinematography to depict the era’s extravagance in one of the best movies like Saltburn. Similarly, Saltburn employs its settings and visual elements to underscore the contrasts between the world of wealth and the protagonist’s more grounded reality. Both films use their visual aesthetics to reinforce their thematic concerns and create a compelling narrative experience.
The tragic arc of Gatsby’s story, driven by his obsession with wealth and social acceptance, parallels Felix’s journey in Saltburn. Both characters’ experiences reveal the inherent flaws in their pursuit of status and the moral consequences of their actions among movies like Saltburn. The film’s portrayal of the Roaring Twenties offers a historical context that contrasts with the modern setting of Saltburn, but the underlying themes of ambition and moral decay remain consistent.
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7. Parasite (2019)
Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite offers a sharp and socially conscious critique of class disparity through its darkly comedic and suspenseful narrative. The film follows the Kim family as they infiltrate the wealthy Park household, leading to a series of dramatic and unexpected events that expose the deep-seated inequalities and tensions between the two families.
The thematic resonance between Parasite and Saltburn lies in their exploration of class dynamics and the lengths to which individuals will go to improve their social standing. Both movies like Saltburn highlight the destructive nature of class envy and the inherent flaws in societal structures that perpetuate inequality. In Parasite, the Kim family’s deception and manipulation of the Park household serve as a critique of social stratification, paralleling Felix’s journey as he navigates the world of wealth and privilege in Saltburn.
The film’s darkly comedic and suspenseful tone adds a unique layer to its critique of class disparity. Bong Joon-ho uses humor and tension to underscore the absurdity and injustice of the social divide, creating a narrative that resonates with the themes of moral compromise and social climbing found in Saltburn. The interplay between the two families and the eventual unraveling of their deceitful schemes highlight the broader societal issues at play, offering a compelling examination of class and privilege.
Parasite’s unique cultural perspective and its exploration of class conflict provide a different lens through which to examine the themes of social ambition and moral compromise in one of the most interesting movies like Saltburn. The film’s engaging narrative and thematic depth make it a powerful companion to Saltburn, offering additional insights into the complexities of class and identity.
8. The Handmaiden (2016)
Park Chan-wook’s The Handmaiden is a Korean psychological thriller based on Sarah Waters’ novel Fingersmith. The film’s intricate plot involves a con artist, a wealthy heiress, and a maid who becomes embroiled in a complex scheme of deception and betrayal. The film explores themes of identity, manipulation, and class, creating a rich narrative that resonates with the themes found in Saltburn.
The thematic similarities between The Handmaiden and Saltburn lie in their exploration of deception and the interplay of power and identity. Both movies like Saltburn feature characters who navigate and manipulate their social environments to achieve their personal goals. In The Handmaiden, the elaborate con involving the heiress and the maid highlights the lengths individuals will go to for financial gain and social advancement. Similarly, Saltburn examines Felix’s moral compromise and manipulative behavior as he seeks to integrate into a world of privilege.
The film’s intricate narrative structure and psychological depth enhance its exploration of identity and deceit. Park Chan-wook’s use of suspense and plot twists creates a compelling and immersive experience, paralleling the tension and intrigue found in Saltburn. The cultural context of The Handmaiden offers a unique perspective on the themes of class and manipulation, providing additional insights into the dynamics of social climbing and moral ambiguity.
Both films use their narratives to dissect the complexities of identity and power, highlighting the ways in which individuals exploit their environments to achieve their goals in one of the best movies like Saltburn. The psychological and dramatic elements of The Handmaiden complement the themes explored in Saltburn, creating a rich and engaging exploration of social dynamics and personal ambition.
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9. The Others (2001)
Alejandro Amenábar’s The Others is a gothic horror film that explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and the supernatural. The film stars Nicole Kidman as Grace Stewart, a woman living in a secluded mansion with her two children, who begin to suspect that their home is haunted. The film’s tension and psychological complexity create a narrative that resonates with the dark and unsettling tone of Saltburn.
While The Others is stylistically different from Saltburn, the thematic parallels lie in their exploration of psychological tension and the uncovering of hidden truths among movies like Saltburn. In The Others, Grace’s unraveling sense of reality and the eerie atmosphere of the mansion contribute to a sense of unease and suspense. Similarly, Saltburn uses its narrative and setting to create a sense of tension and moral ambiguity as Felix delves into the world of wealth and privilege.
The film’s focus on isolation and paranoia mirrors the psychological tension found in Saltburn. Both films use their narratives to explore the impact of hidden truths and the darker aspects of human nature. The gothic atmosphere of The Others adds a layer of suspense and horror to its exploration of psychological themes, complementing the dramatic and moral tension in Saltburn.
Additionally, The Others provides a unique perspective on the exploration of identity and reality, offering a different genre lens through which to examine the themes of deception and psychological tension in one of the best movies like Saltburn. The film’s atmospheric and suspenseful approach enhances its thematic exploration, creating a compelling companion to the dark and complex narrative of Saltburn.
10. The Lobster (2015) – Movies Like Saltburn
Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Lobster presents a dystopian view of relationships and societal expectations in a world where single individuals must find a mate or face severe consequences. The film’s darkly absurd take on societal norms and the lengths people go to for social acceptance align with the satirical and critical tone of Saltburn.
In The Lobster, the absurdity of the dystopian world serves as a critique of societal pressures and the superficiality of relationships in one of the best movies like Saltburn. The film’s exploration of personal and social expectations parallels the themes of ambition and manipulation found in Saltburn. Both films use their narratives to examine the impact of societal norms on individual behavior and morality.
The film’s unique, absurdist perspective adds a layer of dark comedy to its critique of social expectations. Yorgos Lanthimos uses satire and surreal scenarios to highlight the absurdity and moral compromise inherent in the pursuit of societal acceptance. Similarly, Saltburn employs its dramatic and suspenseful narrative to explore the ethical implications of social climbing and ambition.
Both movies like Saltburn use their respective genres to dissect the complexities of identity and societal expectations, creating a thought-provoking examination of the human condition. The darkly comedic approach of The Lobster complements the more serious and suspenseful tone of Saltburn, offering a diverse range of insights into the themes of social ambition and personal morality.
Movies like Saltburn offer a rich tapestry of themes and motifs that delve into the complexities of social dynamics, personal ambition, and moral ambiguity. By exploring narratives centered around wealth, deception, and class struggle, these movies like Saltburn provide a deeper understanding of the human condition and societal structures. Whether through psychological thrillers, dark comedies, or historical dramas, the cinematic landscape is filled with works that resonate with the same thematic concerns as Saltburn. For audiences captivated by the intricate and often unsettling exploration of human nature and societal norms, these movies like Saltburn offer a compelling array of similar experiences and insights.
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